cedarcreek, the home block, aspect, okanagan, folioyvr, helen siwak, mark anthony group, kelowna, bc

An Evening at CedarCreek Estate Winery in the Okanagan

The gentle climb toward CedarCreek Estate Winery has a way of easing you into the slower rhythm of the valley. With Martin’s Lane just next door and rows of vines stretching down toward Lake Okanagan, the scene feels relaxed rather than dramatic. On this visit, we arrived with modest expectations and a desire to enjoy a simple, scenic meal at Home Block Restaurant as the sun dropped behind the hills.

Inside, the warmth of the wood-fired grill created a welcoming atmosphere that felt comfortable without trying too hard. The clean, modern lines of the dining room and expressive art, gave way to expansive windows, which would later frame a sunset worth lingering over. It was the kind of setting where you can settle in, take a breath, and let the evening unfold at its own unhurried pace.

Image courtesy of CedarCreek Estate Winery

Terroir To Table With Balance

Chef Neil Taylor is known for his wine-first philosophy and his commitment to sourcing ingredients from the Okanagan, and that approach came through in our opening dish.

cedarcreek, the home block, aspect, okanagan, folioyvr, helen siwak, mark anthony group, kelowna, bc

We began with a mushroom parfait paired with grilled sourdough, pickled lion’s mane, and a mix of herbs and greens. The textures were pleasing, and the flavours were thoughtful, if not particularly bold. What elevated the plate was the 2022 Aspect Riesling beside it. With fresh citrus characters, peaches, and white flowers, the wine offered an intense, dry palate and a long finish that brightened the earthy profile of the dish.

cedarcreek, the home block, aspect, okanagan, folioyvr, helen siwak, mark anthony group, kelowna, bc

Our entrée continued the theme of approachable comfort. Grilled king oyster mushrooms sat over sautéed spinach on a base of robust polenta, finished with a chunky chimichurri of mixed peppers that added colour and a gentle heat. The flavours were solid and satisfying even if not boundary-pushing. The pairing, however, brought the dish forward. The 2022 Jagged Rock Chardonnay — floral, citrus-led, and touched with subtle oak — added freshness and dimension, giving the overall plate more lift.

Sunset And A Light Finish

As the sky shifted into soft shades of peach and rose, dessert arrived. Poached pears rested in a scoop of creamy vanilla sorbet over a dark berry syrup beside, finished with roasted pistachios for texture. It was a light, uncomplicated finale, offering exactly enough sweetness after two savoury courses.

cedarcreek, the home block, aspect, okanagan, folioyvr, helen siwak, mark anthony group, kelowna, bc

With it, we enjoyed a pour of the 2020 Sparkling Pinot Noir Rosé. Harvested early to preserve its natural acidity, with a portion destemmed and macerated on skins to capture its delicate pink hue, the wine brought a creamy palate from three years on lees. The softened acidity and gentle fruit notes made it an easy match for the pears and berry syrup.

Nothing in the meal demanded superlatives, but each dish had its place, and the wines added layers of interest that made the evening feel cohesive and relaxed. Watching the sun settle across Lake Okanagan certainly helped.

A Return Visit In Mind

Before leaving, we wandered past Aspect House, the winery’s private oasis reserved for members, and imagined how the space might feel during their Trust The Chef private dinner. This four-course experience curated by Chef Neil, built around seasonal ingredients and paired with Cedar Creek’s wines, now sits high on the list for a future visit.

Image courtesy of CedarCreek Estate Winery

CedarCreek Estate Winery continues to offer a blend of good food, thoughtful wines, and one of the most peaceful outlooks over the lake. It may not deliver perfection on every plate, but it excels at creating an atmosphere that encourages you to slow down, savour, and enjoy the valley at its most serene.

Author Profile

Helen Siwak, Luxury Lifestyle Observer: Helen Siwak is the founder of EcoLuxLuv Communications & Marketing Inc and publisher of Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine and PORTFOLIOY.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine. She is a prolific content creator, consultant, and marketing and media strategist within the ecoluxury lifestyle niche. Helen is the west coast correspondent to Canada’s top-read industry magazine Retail-Insider, holds a vast freelance portfolio, and consults with many of the world’s luxury heritage brands. Always seeking new opportunities and challenges, you can email her at [email protected].